The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-07-31
nRnssn aHEPHERD.

A Washington paper says that when ex-
Governor Shepherd took drive about that
city, a few days ago, the first since his return
from Mexico, he said, in bewildered mood,
'|Why, if L had been dropped down from the
clouds for the first time L could not have been
more surprised" Probably not. His sensa-
tons must have been very peculiar. Governor
Shepherd, CT, he was once more widely
known, "Boss" Shepherd, is in position to
enjoy something of the sensations of those
who in quaint traditions, are permitted to
visit the earth after leaving it. If he has not
had the felicity of reading his own obituaries
and of knowing what posterity thought of
him, he comes very near it. He is remark
able man, and has had a remarkable expe-
rience. Nature gave him brains and those
qualities Of character that belong to men of
force. During the war he was a plumber and
gas filter in Washington, and good one-an
honest workman, a man of clean business
methods and no bad habits. When the period
of local District government came in, Shop
herd, having some public spirit and little
taste for politics, drifted into that line. He
soon developed latent qualities of leadership
and finally became Governor of the District.
In this position the growth of his mind took
the direction of undermining Washington.
Shepherd was not a man of liberal education,
had never been abroad nor associated much
with travelled people, but he conceived the
idea of making Washington the most at
tractive city in the world, and worthy of the
great country and people whose capital it is.
He was the first man who conceived the idea.
He formed his plans and worked to definite
end. Under his direction, and mainly
through his influence there was planned and
formulated one of the most extensive systems
of municipal improvement on record. It con-
templated the complete transformation of
Washington, its change from dilapidated
provincial town to a cosmopolitan city and
the most beautiful capital in the world. This
was gigantic undertaking, but Shepherd
tackled it with gigantic ability and
energy. 1t was the upturning and
remodeling of an entire city. 1t was
a great revolution, and Shepherd was
its leader and master spirit. In time
q conspicuous figure. He had enemies and
defamers galore. AS the work progressed
great real estate speculations developed, in
which Shepherd engaged and made large
This was natural Almost any man in his
position would have done the same. He was
shrewd, but there was no evidence that he
was dishonest; he made profitable invest
ments, but he did not steal. To make long
story short he had his ups and downs, finally
failed, and at last, broken in health and fort
une, went to Mexico and engaged in the min
ing business. No man ever planned greater
work or did more toward its accomplishment
than he did for Washington during his re-
fine. Though he left the work unfinished,
its completion was only matter of time when
he left. He went to Mexico sick, poor and in
bad repute from the attacks of his enemies.
After years of voluntary exile, during which
he has devoted himself closely to business, he
returns recuperated in health and fortune, to
find Washington what he conceived and
planned it should be, the most beautiful city
in the world. The machinery and influences
that he set in operation have continued to
work on the lines he marked out until Wash
ington has become the almost ideal city that
he planned. No wonder he should express |,
nnbounded surprise at the beauty of the city
u. -, H. h. Gr~% e. Al
sutton Of which he was bounded almost to death |
Time has fully INDICATED him. 1t is not per-
mitted to many men who have been subject
I'd to storm of calumny and abuse to live |
to see their detractors so completely silenced. |
Washington may yet build a monument to |
Shepherd.
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